Harstad Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Harstad showing general coastal views and a coastal town
Harstad featuring signage and a coastal town
Harstad
Harstad showing general coastal views and a coastal town
Harstad showing boating, a coastal town and a marina

This town and region of the same name share exciting northern Norway experiences, from Viking heritage to coastal islets and rugged mountains.

Harstad is a town amid the coastal mountains and fjords on Hinnøya, an island in Troms County. Spend long, light-filled summer days exploring the region’s heritage trails that reveal Viking history, charming old farmsteads and long-standing culinary traditions. Don your hiking boots and discover the mountains or step aboard a boat to explore the archipelago. In winter, experience the beauty of polar nights and soak in the town’s steaming underground baths.

The second-largest town in Troms County, Harstad has a compact city centre facing out onto the Norwegian Sea. Walk through the town to admire its brightly colored heritage façades. The area is known for delicious smoked salmon and fresh strawberries. North of the town lies Grottebadet, an indoor water park nestled into the subterranean caves. Swim in heated pools or relax in the hot tub and sauna.

Check out the Trondenes Peninsula north of town. This scenic piece of coastline was the playground for the notorious Viking chieftain Tore Hund. Visit the 13th-century Trondenes ChurchOpens in a new window to see one of the world’s most northern medieval churches. The Trondenes Historical CentreOpens in a new window brings the region’s history to life through films, exhibits and interactive displays, housed in a pretty sod-roofed waterfront building. Møysalen National Park provides opportunities to explore Hinnøya’s wilderness.

Set sail on Anna Rodge, one of the world’s oldest seafaring schooners for a fun-filled whale-spotting or fishing safari. Check out the island of Krøttøy to see Viking monuments or embark on a rafting trip and follow the fjord to the open ocean. Hike from cabin to cabin across the peaks of the region. In winter, explore the cross-country skiing trails.

Harstad is easily accessible by plane, car and boat. Fly into Evenes Airport, a 40-minute bus ride from town. An express boat connects Harstad with Finnsnes and TromsøOpens in a new window. The region has varied accommodation options, from townhouses and hotels to secluded camping sites. Experience Norway’s exciting cultural traditions and cuisine during Harstad’s annual Festival of Northern Norway in June.

F2 Hotel Harstad

F2 Hotel Harstad

3 out of 5
Fjordgata 2, Harstad
The price is Rp893.264 per night from 21 Aug to 22 Aug
Rp893.264
Rp1.000.456 total
21 Aug - 22 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Harstad. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and housekeeping. Popular attractions Footsteps of the Vikings and The Troll's Church are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (675 reviews)
"Everything was convenient, walkable, parking was convenient, place was nice and clean."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

F2 Hotel Harstad
Thon Hotel Harstad

Thon Hotel Harstad

3.5 out of 5
Sjogata 11, Harstad
The price is Rp1.876.349 per night from 23 Aug to 24 Aug
Rp1.876.349
Rp2.101.511 total
23 Aug - 24 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Harstad. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and room service. Popular attractions Mountain Hike to Saetertind ...
9/10 Wonderful! (688 reviews)
"I especially like that it was right across from the harbor and within walking distance to the ferry to Kjøtta."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Thon Hotel Harstad
Scandic Harstad

Scandic Harstad

3.5 out of 5
Strandgaten 9, Harstad
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp1.780.855 per night from 29 Aug to 30 Aug
Rp1.780.855
Rp1.994.558 total
29 Aug - 30 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Harstad. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the property condition in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (661 reviews)
"Less light pollution for increased chance of seeing northern lights."

Reviewed on 15 Nov 2023

Scandic Harstad
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
8 Person Holiday Home in Sandsøy

8 Person Holiday Home in Sandsøy

3 out of 5
SLAGSTADVEIEN 354, Harstad, Troms og Finnmark
Stay at this 3-star holiday home in Harstad. Enjoy in-room washers/dryers and an in-room coffee maker.
8 Person Holiday Home in Sandsøy
Holiday Home in Bjarkøy

Holiday Home in Bjarkøy

2.5 out of 5
Harstad, Troms og Finnmark
Stay at this holiday home in Harstad. Enjoy free parking and a garden.
Holiday Home in Bjarkøy
Harstad Apartments

Harstad Apartments

3.5 out of 5
Marcus Pedersens vei 9, Harstad, Troms
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Harstad. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Grottebadet Waterpark and Footsteps ...
"Litt dyrt for en person, men jeg hadde ikke så mye valg siden alle hoteller var fullbooket. Plus for TV pakke. Minus for WiFi, som jeg opplevd som treg og ustabil."

Reviewed on 19 Jun 2019

Harstad Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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